Everett

Everett School Committee

Saturday February 17, 2024

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The order of items in transcripts is the chronological order in which they were taken up. Some Agenda items may have been skipped.

Section 1

Samantha Lambert, a member of the Everett School Committee, calls the meeting to order at 6:31 PM and takes roll call. The student representative, Salvator D'Domenico, is present along with other committee members and city officials. The first order of business is to read the records and place them on file. Public comments are then opened and several residents speak on various topics, including the proposed replacement of artificial turf with grass on athletic fields, concerns about the safety and health hazards of the old high school building, and the need to prioritize the well-being of students above all else. After all speakers have been heard, the committee votes to close public comment. The student representative then gives a report on recent achievements and competitions at Everett High School. The theater company will compete in a state festival, the percussion ensemble and color guard have been successful in their competitions, and the boys' basketball team is currently playing in the state tournament.

Section 2

At the meeting, the superintendent provided updates on various events and initiatives happening in the district. The girls basketball team ended their season with a strong finish, while a high school student qualified for a state wrestling championship. The hockey team also finished their season. The winter sports banquet will be held on March 12th, and registration for spring sports is open. The district also held a vocal concert and will be hosting a talent show. The director of curriculum presented an overview of the Student Opportunity Act, a funding mechanism aimed at reducing discrepancies among students in need. The Act provides six priority strategies that districts can use the funding for, including targeted academic support, early literacy programs, and increasing pathways to educator diversity. The district is seeking community feedback through surveys and information sessions to inform their plan for using the funding.

Section 3

This content is about a partnership between the city of Everett and community-based organizations to promote electrification measures and utility bill assistance for low-income and language-isolated residents. The program offers a no-cost home energy assessment and potential discounts on weatherization, insulation, and energy-efficient appliances. Residents can also receive information about residential energy credits to reduce taxes. The city has partnered with Mass Save as a high-performing contractor for this program. The speaker, Jonathan Frias, is an Energy Advocate for the city of Everett and can be contacted for more information.

Section 4

John Russolillo is the new director of youth development and enrichment for the city of Everett. He has been collaborating with Heather, the manager of extended learning for the Everett Public Schools, to ensure that the city's recreation center complements the school's enrichment programming. They have also established communication through two platforms, After School HQ and MyRec, to better coordinate schedules and opportunities for youth. Russolillo is also working with Heather to secure 28 spots for young professionals in the city's summer workforce development program. He mentioned a recent successful Black History Month event, as well as ongoing collaborations with Tammy Turner to develop a feeder system for sports at the high school. Russolillo is also working on a new sensory-friendly program and open gym with Sensory Friendly Solutions, as well as a greenhouse initiative with the environmental science department. He has experience managing fitness facilities and recreation centers, and is looking forward to continuing to collaborate and improve the city's youth programs.

Section 5

The speaker, Miss Guerin, thanked the chair and expressed excitement about the inclusion of special needs children in community activities. Others also expressed support and shared personal connections to the issue. The topic of discussion was a request to send a letter from the Everett School Committee to the Everett City Council, asking for the replacement of the stadium turf with natural grass due to health and environmental concerns. The letter was intended to bring attention and consideration to the topic, with the hope of finding a solution that prioritized both student safety and the health of the community. The mayor also shared his thoughts on the issue and suggested discussing it further with his team.

Section 6

Motion made and seconded to enter and adjourn an executive session. Motion carried unanimously.

Section 7

The speaker, Miss Babcock, asks for confirmation from several individuals, including Miss Cornelia, Mayor Di Maria, Mister D'Onofrio, Miss Karen, Miss Hurley, Mister Lamonica, Miss Cristiano, and Miss Lambert. The motion is then moved and the total attendance is given as 90 people. Miss Lambert expresses gratitude for everyone attending and wishes them a good evening.